V-Tech Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Word broke in late July that Google might launch Helpouts -- a Hangout-based video platform where folks could charge for lending assistance over video -- in about a month's time. Like clockwork, Mountain View's officially announced the platform, but it isn't a free-for-all just yet. Page and Co. are inviting people with expertise in different topics to offer their services when the solution opens for business. The search giant has published a form allowing self-proclaimed experts to toss their hat in the ring for an invite, and lists categories including Arts and Music, Computers and Electronics, Cooking, Education, Fashion and Beauty, Fitness and Nutrition, Health and Counseling along with Home and Garden. Fittingly, Google's own help documents for Helpouts have gone live as well, and they give us a few more details. First, users will have to submit a listing for their services, which Google will review just before hanging out with them over video to get acquainted and ensure their live feed is in tip-top shape. If you're a medical professional, you can offer your expert opinion to the masses as well, but Mountain View will confirm you've got the proper certificates and licenses in order. Once that's done, interested customers will be able to check a pro's availability and schedule appointments. Folks can offer their skills for free or charge for sessions, but both parties must use Google Wallet for the transaction, and Google will apply a 20 percent fee (yes, even with credit card payments). A launch date for Helpouts is MIA, but you can sign up to be notified and provide a helping hand at the source. http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/21/google-invites-users-to-helpouts/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growled Member Posted August 21, 2013 Member Share Posted August 21, 2013 I wonder if anyone here has been contacted yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solid Knight Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Can't wait for this to turn into porn. "Can you help me with this?" *points down* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ichi Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 I'm not convinced of this actually flying, but the tech would be a perfect fit for some helpdesk startup: you don't only get to talk with the customer but can also see his desktop and even take control if needed, all without bothering with payments and fees since all that is handled by Google. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IM_bck Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Good guy Google. Only tacking on a 20 percent fee for other's hard work. Oh wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
primexx Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Good guy Google. Only tacking on a 20 percent fee for other's hard work. Oh wait. better than everyone else's 30% i guess... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ichi Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Good guy Google. Only tacking on a 20 percent fee for other's hard work. Oh wait. That's the price for making money using their tech and infrastructure, if you find other platform with better features and cheaper then go for it. You could also still do pretty much the same for free on Hangouts instead of going with Helpouts, but you would have to advertise your services on your own and also manage the payment method yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts